$552,000 for clean-up after Tropical Cyclone Monica

November 6, 2006

$552,000 for clean-up after Tropical Cyclone Monica

Carpentaria Shire will receive $552,000 in State Government natural disaster funding towards the emergency clean up costs in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Monica.

Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser and Member for Cook Jason O’Brien announced the funding today, saying the area was faced with a massive clean-up after the cyclone.

“Many creeks in the Shire burst their banks washing away large sections of roads,” Mr O’Brien said.

“More than a dozen roads in the Shire underwent emergency repairs to replace gravel and fix sections which were washed away.

“It was vital to get these roads repaired as quickly as possible to ensure minimal disruption for the Shire’s residents and tourists.”

Mr Fraser said the repair bill for the works was always going to be too high for council to fund through its own budget.

“Cleaning up after natural disasters is not a financial burden that ratepayers are expected to pick up,” Mr Fraser said.

“This was a massive clean-up operation and I congratulate the council for its work to date.”

The funding was granted under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements program, a joint State and Commonwealth Government initiative.

Since 1998, the Queensland Government has provided Carpentaria Shire Council with more than $28 million in Local Government and Planning portfolio grants.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874